Comprehensive 15-Day Itinerary for Exploring Sikkim and North Bengal in June 2025

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Siliguri, India on June 15, 2025

2:00PM

Arrive in Siliguri

Settle into your accommodation in Siliguri, the gateway to North Bengal and Sikkim. Rest well to prepare for the journey ahead.
0, Afternoon

6:00PM

Dinner at Shang Palace

Enjoy authentic Chinese and Indian cuisine at Shang Palace, well known for its welcoming atmosphere and quality food.
INR 700 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 2: Transfer to Gangtok

Gangtok, Sikkim on June 16, 2025

8:00AM

Drive to Gangtok

Travel approximately 4 hours by road from Siliguri to Gangtok, enjoying scenic views of the hills and tea gardens en route.
INR 1500 (taxi fare), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Taste of Tibet

Savour traditional Tibetan dishes like momos and thukpa at this popular eatery in Gangtok.
INR 500 approx., 1 hour

3:00PM

MG Road Walk and Shopping

Explore MG Road, Gangtok’s bustling market street, ideal for shopping local handicrafts and enjoying street food.
0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Square

Dine at The Square, located in Hotel Royal Plaza, for a mix of Indian and continental dishes.
INR 800 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 3: Gangtok Sightseeing

Gangtok, Sikkim on June 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Baker's Cafe

Start your day with fresh pastries, coffee, and breakfast staples at Baker's Cafe.
INR 400 approx., 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Rumtek Monastery

Explore the largest monastery in Sikkim known for its beautiful architecture and Buddhist rituals. Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
INR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Enchey Monastery and Do Drul Chorten

Quick visits to these spiritual sites near Gangtok showcasing vibrant Buddhist culture.
0, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Baker’s Cafe

Enjoy another meal at this cosy cafe famed for sandwiches and momos.
INR 400 approx., 1 hour

3:00PM

Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir Excursion

Drive 2 hours to the sacred Tsomgo Lake (closed Mondays), a splendid glacial lake, then visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir nearby.
INR 200 permit fee, 4 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at MG Road

Choose from local eateries offering local Sikkimese cuisine like gundruk and traditional thukpa on MG Road.
INR 600 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 4: North Sikkim to Lachung

Lachung, Sikkim on June 18, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast before the long drive to Lachung, to ensure you have energy for the day’s journey.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Lachung via Singhik and Chungthang

Travel 6-7 hours through beautiful mountainous terrain with stops for photo and refreshments; acclimatise as you climb in altitude.
INR 4000 (private taxi), 6-7 hours

3:30PM

Check-in and Relax

Settle into your hotel in Lachung with time to rest, acclimatise, and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Varies, Evening

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy traditional Sikkimese dinner served at your hotel, focusing on fresh local produce.
Included or INR 600 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 5: Yumthang Valley and Hot Springs

Lachung, Sikkim on June 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Healthy mountain-style breakfast to prepare for a full day out in the scenic surroundings.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Yumthang Valley

Explore the stunning 'Valley of Flowers' with vibrant flora and beautiful landscape; best visited in the morning for clear views. Open all day, avoid peak afternoon clouds.
Entry free, permit INR 200, 3 hours

12:00PM

Visit Yumthang Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot springs nearby, believed to have medicinal properties.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Packed Lunch

Carry a packed lunch from Lachung or eat at a local dhaba available near Yumthang Valley.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to Lachung

Drive back to Lachung to relax and unwind after an active day.
Included in taxi fare, Approximately 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy your dinner in the calm atmosphere of Lachung hotel, reflecting on the day’s natural beauty.
INR 600 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 6: Trip to Gurudongmar Lake

Lachen, Sikkim on June 20, 2025

6:00AM

Drive Early to Lachen

Transfer 2 hours from Lachung to Lachen for early start towards Gurudongmar Lake.
INR 1500 taxi fare, 2 hours

7:00AM

Breakfast at Lachen

Have a quick breakfast in Lachen village to prepare for the high-altitude excursion.
INR 300 approx., 1 hour

8:00AM

Visit Gurudongmar Lake

Visit one of the highest lakes in the world at 5,183 meters altitude, offering breathtaking views. Open early but permits required; acclimatisation essential.
INR 300 permit, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Lachen Village

Return to Lachen for traditional mountain cuisine lunch.
INR 600 approx., 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thangu Valley

Explore the scenic Thangu Valley nearby with charming mountain vistas.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Lachen

Enjoy a hearty meal featuring Sikkimese and local dishes at your lodge.
INR 600 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 7: Return to Gangtok

Gangtok, Sikkim on June 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lachen

Early breakfast to prepare for the journey back to Gangtok.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive Back to Gangtok

Long scenic drive returning along the mountainous roads back to Gangtok.
INR 4000 taxi fare, 6-7 hours

4:00PM

Rest and Refresh

Check into hotel and relax after the long drive.
Varies, Afternoon

7:00PM

Dinner at Glenary’s

Dine at the famous bakery-restaurant Glenary’s known for continental and Indian dishes.
INR 800 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 8: South Sikkim Day Trip

Namchi, Sikkim on June 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before traveling south to Namchi.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Namchi

Approximately 4-hour drive to Namchi, famous for its religious sites and scenic beauty.
INR 2500 taxi fare, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Namchi Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Nepali and Sikkimese dishes in one of Namchi’s local restaurants.
INR 500 approx., 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Char Dham and Namchi Buddha Park

Explore the panoramic Char Dham temple complex and the giant Buddha statue complex, symbolic of Sikkimese culture.
INR 50 entry fee, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Gangtok

Drive back to Gangtok for a restful evening.
Included in taxi fare, 4 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Late dinner at hotel after the return journey.
INR 700 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 9: Explore Gangtok & Relax

Gangtok, Sikkim on June 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Live & Loud

Enjoy delicious breakfast with a lively vibe and local music performances.
INR 400 approx., 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Explore extensive Tibetan artifacts and religious scriptures. Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
INR 60, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Taste of Tibet

Enjoy Tibetan classics including momos and thukpa with authentic flavours.
INR 500 approx., 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Flower Exhibition Centre

See a variety of Himalayan flowers in this unique botanical exhibition. Open till 5 PM.
INR 50, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Hotel or Spa

Unwind at your hotel or book a spa session to rejuvenate after days of exploring.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hakku Restro & Bar

Enjoy Sikkimese and Nepali delights in a comfortable ambience with live music some days.
INR 800 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 10: Drive to Darjeeling

Darjeeling, West Bengal on June 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the 3-hour scenic drive to Darjeeling.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Darjeeling

Journey from Gangtok to Darjeeling via picturesque mountain roads crossing into West Bengal.
INR 3500 taxi fare, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Glenary’s Darjeeling

Famed bakery-restaurant Glenary’s offers fresh bakery items and continental food with beautiful views.
INR 700 approx., 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

See rare Himalayan wildlife including red pandas and snow leopards. Park is open till 4 PM.
INR 60, 2 hours

5:00PM

Batasia Loop and War Memorial

Enjoy panoramic views of Darjeeling and the Himalayan range at the Batasia Loop, open till dusk.
INR 20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Try Tibetan momos and thukpa with cozy local vibes at Kunga Restaurant.
INR 600 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 11: Darjeeling Tea and Culture

Darjeeling, West Bengal on June 25, 2025

5:00AM

Sunrise at Tiger Hill

Witness spectacular sunrise views over Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest. Early morning visit, start before 5 AM.
INR 20 entry fee, 2 hours

8:00AM

Breakfast at Keventers

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and their signature milkshakes at this iconic Darjeeling spot.
INR 400 approx., 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate

Tour one of Darjeeling’s oldest tea estates with guided walk and tasting. Open 9 AM to 4 PM.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Experience the historic 'Toy Train' ride, a UNESCO World Heritage attraction. Book tickets in advance for the section from Darjeeling to Ghoom.
INR 100-200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Glenary’s

Lunch at Glenary’s to enjoy fresh baked goods and international dishes.
INR 700 approx., 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Darjeeling Market and Mall Road

Stroll around the bustling markets and Mall Road for handicrafts and local snacks.
0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sonam’s Kitchen

Popular spot for Tibetan and local cuisine with friendly service.
INR 600 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 12: Explore Kalimpong

Kalimpong, West Bengal on June 26, 2025

8:00AM

Drive to Kalimpong

Travel about 2.5 hours from Darjeeling to Kalimpong, a scenic hill town famous for its orchid nurseries and monasteries.
INR 2500 taxi fare, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Dolce Delights

Indulge in coffee and pastries at this well-known café before exploring.
INR 400 approx., 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Durpin Dara Hill and Zang Dhok Palri Monastery

Enjoy panoramic views and explore the colorful Tibetan monastery rich in culture.
INR 50, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Rinchen’s Restaurant

Sample delicious local Sikkimese and Nepali dishes in an authentic setting.
INR 500 approx., 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Kalimpong Orchid Nurseries

Visit several orchid nurseries to see fragrant blooms and flora unique to the area.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Relax with a quiet dinner at your hotel or local eatery.
INR 600 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 13: Return to Siliguri

Siliguri, India on June 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast prior to the drive back down to the plains.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Siliguri

Drive about 3 hours descending from hills to Siliguri in North Bengal.
INR 2500 taxi fare, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant Siliguri

End your journey with fresh and tasty meals from Nepalese cuisine in Siliguri.
INR 600 approx., 1 hour

2:00PM

Rest or Shopping

Relax or explore local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs in Siliguri.
0, Afternoon

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Shang Palace

Enjoy your last dinner in the region with a fine dining experience featuring Chinese specialities.
INR 800 approx., 1.5 hours

Day 14: Departure Day

Siliguri, India on June 28, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast

Have a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before your onward journey.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Departure from Siliguri

Transfer to airport or railway station for your departure from the region, concluding your memorable trip.
Depends on mode of transport, Varies